Leinster lost 19-41 to Bordeaux-Begle in the Champions Cup final in Bilbao, their fifth European final defeat. Bordeaux dominated the first half with clinical precision, with Yoram Moefana's intercept just before halftime making it 35-7. Tommy O'Brien scored early but Leinster never recovered.

"Too high a mountain to climb," said captain Caelan Doris. Head coach Simon Cullen admitted "the game got away from us" as Bordeaux's speed overwhelmed Leinster's 14 Ireland stars and Rieko Ioane. Leinster improved after halftime but the damage was done, and Bordeaux ran out comfortable winners.

Bordeaux-Begle become only the sixth side to defend the Champions Cup title, winning back-to-back European crowns. Leinster still host the Lions in the URC quarter-finals, giving them a chance at silverware. Cullen said his side needs to "reflect as a group" but the margin tells the story of a French side that isn't slowing down.